What are the three forces that change the shape of the land and what are the effects do they have on the earth?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erosion
The three forces that change the shape of the land are erosion, weathering, and tectonic forces.
Erosion is the process by which the surface of the Earth is worn away by natural elements such as wind, water, or ice. It includes processes like abrasion, where particles carried by wind or water scrape against rock surfaces, and the transport of materials by water or wind. Erosion can create landforms such as valleys, canyons, and deltas.
Weathering refers to the breakdown and alteration of rocks at or near the Earth's surface due to exposure to various agents like water, wind, ice, and chemicals. It is a preliminary step to erosion because it weakens the rocks, making them more susceptible to erosion. Weathering can lead to the formation of various features such as caves, arches, and rock formations.
Tectonic forces result from the movement and collision of the Earth's tectonic plates, which leads to the formation of mountains, rift valleys, and earthquakes. Mountains are formed when two plates collide and are uplifted, while rift valleys are created when two plates move away from each other. Earthquakes occur when there is a sudden release of energy along faults in the Earth's crust, resulting in the shaking of the ground.
These three forces have significant effects on the Earth. Erosion can reshape coastlines, carve out canyons, and deposit sediment in river deltas. Weathering can create unique rock formations and contribute to the formation of soil, which is crucial for plant growth. Tectonic forces can uplift mountains, which have a profound impact on climate patterns and serve as habitats for diverse ecosystems. They can also cause devastating earthquakes, resulting in loss of life and property damage. Overall, these forces contribute to the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the Earth's surface.